The Love of Books and Reading.......

The Beautiful Library at Osterley House near London

There are many treasures within the pages of books.  I remember vividly the day I fell in love with reading books! In my ninth year of school, we were often required to have a study hall period within our day and this was most often located in the library. On this particular day, I was looking straight ahead (probably daydreaming) and a beautiful book caught my eye. The book was REBECCA by Daphne du Maurier and I have never been the same! I was hooked on reading novels.  For me, they were often set in places I could escape to or dream of one day visiting.  At the same time, I began to develop a keen interest in history, mainly the United States history and over my university years, I developed a love for world history and books on art history. The years that I spent teaching middle school found my books to be my best friends!

It was many years, before we inevitably came to the conclusion that a room in our house had evolved into a library for our books.  This room was a period room with furnishings inspired by pieces found in Mount Vernon, President George Washington's home.  We had bookshelves built on both sides of a window centered in the front of the room and I began to fill them with books!  I searched antique shops for books on the Presidents of The United States of America. Our collection has grown now to include many books on George Washington and Abraham Lincoln and many, many more of our Presidents.  I have books on the First Ladies, the homes of the Presidents and other places that are important in our country's history.  Now our library includes books on decorating, travel, and books for Bible study and inspiration.  Our library is probably the most favorite room in our home when our adult children visit.  Our sweet grandchildren also seem to gravitate to the library.  All is serene in this room and it's a place I enjoy for my prayer time and devotionals in the mornings.

Our children grew up with a wonderful exposure to books.  We loved to read books to them and had boxes and boxes of children's books that have found their way into the homes of the two daughters' who have children.  They love books as we do!  

This past week, I began reading an autobiography on the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was one of eight children born within a decade to Karl and Paula Bonhoeffer. This book had been a gift to my husband from one of our daughters.  The Bonhoeffer family lived in Breslau, Germany when their children were young and the parents were known to take much joy in their children.  Their children were educated at home the first few years of their educational training because Paula, the mother, was distrustful of the public educational system which used the Prussian educational methods. She had higher goals for her children which included books, music, and exposure to art in everyday life. The fun of dressing up and presenting plays to each other and visiting adults was also a big part of their schooling at home.  The early years of his life, building this confidence,  prepared him for the mighty call and desire to study theology and ultimately become one of the 20th Century's most humble men of faith.  We could say he was a man of extraordinary faith and fought to deliver a nation from the curse of Nazism. Home life prepares our children for their call in life.

Books in a home, available for a child to read builds confidence.  Reading begins at birth as a child begins to observe images and associates words with what the eye sees.  Children learn to read at different paces but a child who is encouraged each and every day to read will develop a life long love of books!  A library in your home can be a room with shelves and shelves of books or it can be a little corner you provide for reading quietly.  It really doesn't matter the size as long as you encourage and develop a love for books and reading! 

Thoughts on Mothering.......

There is something beautiful about a one on one conversation with someone....especially if the conversation is about something you treasure.  As a mother, our greatest treasures are our children because they are beautiful little gifts sent to us from the heart of God!  His timing for each one is perfect.  Each one has purpose in His kingdom, so to love and nurture a child is one of God's highest callings in life. Recently, a friend asked me to quickly share ten points about mothering that I could share with young moms raising families today.  I quickly wrote down eleven.  Mothering never stops as long as we are breathing......yes, the seasons of mothering change as our children grow and change and ultimately grow up!  All the effort now should be focused with this goal in mind.  One day they will fly on their own. God does provide.  He is a God of providence!  He is Jehovah Jireh!  Thankfully our five are now grown adults.  They are independent and they make me so thankful every day.  As my husband and I say to each," we know what we prayed," and we see how God has answered.  We see how HE did over and above in all that we asked of HIM!   The circle is wider now and includes spouses, grandchildren, and our children's friends and their families.  It's beautiful!  It's golden.  It's a family only God could have sent from His very own heart.  We are humbled and it is with thanksgiving that I share these eleven points.  God is good!  He is essentially, absolutely, and consummately good! Praying His blessings on your family dear friend!  May your years of mothering be beautiful!


1.  Pray daily as a woman, wife, and mother for my heart to be clean before God.  Psalm 51:10 Be in His Word!

2. Pray and ask God to place women in my life who love Jesus and are mothering God's ways and listen to them and their their wisdom about children and the home.

3.  Pray daily and often throughout the day for each child by name, by temperament, personality, and needs. Spiritual and physical.

4.  Teach them accountability to God, to themselves, and to others. Help them see their body as a temple.

5.  Give them the perfume of love and acceptance as each longs for this from parents. Give them my blessing daily.

6.  Give them approval when they seek it earnestly and allow them to be who God created them to be with their talents, gifts, and intelligence.  Laughter is so important if one is prone to be funny, embrace this gift!

7.  Listen.  Listen to their voice.  Let them share their heart without judging.

8.  Love them unconditionally, especially in their failures.

9.  Assist them with their dreams and plans.  This would include protecting them from the wrong friendships and dating too soon.  Delicate territory :)

10.  Pray for them to sense God's supernatural presence in their life.  Share the Gospel early and often!  This would include not missing church except in emergency situations.  :)

11.  Invite people into you home who have the touch of Jesus in their heart and on their face!!!

Motherhood is about giving and preparation in bearing and raising children is such an amazing privilege!

Healing Waters: Reposted.....

Water means blessing for me.  Our earth is made up of 70% water and our bodies are greater than 90% water.  Water is my drink of choice too!  Watering my plants and flowers gives me great joy!  Water is free when we walk to a stream or river or spring to find it.  We must search.....but not far for healing waters......in times of need.  We know we can only live so long without water.  Our thirst has to be quenched.  For me, the same need cries out from my soul for spiritual watering. "As the deer pants for water, so my soul pants for You, Oh God." Do you have a need today dear one?  May I encourage you to turn your eyes upon Jesus and look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.  May we turn to Him for healing.  It doesn't matter how much money you have.....you don't need any to stand under the "fount" (Jesus)    Isaiah 55:1 "Hear, everyone who is thirsty, come to the waters, and he that has no money, come you, buy wine and milk, without money and without price."  He has covered every need my friend for you and me today!

There are those days when only God can lead us "beside the still waters."   I am praying you have some still waters in your future!  Blessings of joy to you this glorious day!

Black and White

I

I am one of those people who love BLACK and WHITE!  I love black and white dresses, black slacks and a crisp white blouse, and of course I love black and white classic films!
Have you ever known someone who sees everything in life as either black or white.....you know, nothing grey.....no fine line.  Some people call it right or wrong!  

What do you see....black, white, or............grey?  It's something to think about! My summer has been very colorful, not so black and white and I have been gone from my blog far too long!  I have lots to share so hope to be seeing you again soon!  Enjoy these beautiful pictures.....all in black or white!

Providence and Faith....

 

In our lives, looking back at the ways God has provided for us is easy.  It's looking forward and trusting that HE will provide for our needs that sometimes becomes difficult in our journey.  There is a fine line between providence and miracles.  Life can be going along as we planned and then all of the sudden, a deep need arises and sometimes, lack of faith and direction follows.  We do not know where to turn.  We've all been there or we know someone who perhaps has turned to us, seeking advice on how we've handled a similar situation in our own lives.  In these difficult situations and sudden changes of life, we must believe that God is able, whether through a miracle or providence, to care for us.

What is the difference?  A miracle is a one time event in our lives!  We've heard and seen the words lived out....."It was a miracle!!!"  Providence is trusting, in God's wisdom and timing that He will align circumstances and situations up in our lives to provide for all we need.  Yes, my friend, HE is able, more than able to abundantly provide for every need that YOU or I might have.  We begin by trusting His Word and planting that seed of faith in Him and His Word that He will bring to pass all that He has promised about caring for us and meeting our needs.  Do you have something you are trusting God for in your life?  I know I do.  Like the farmer who plants the seeds for an apple tree and fruits in the garden, he simply places the seed in the ground and waits for God to bring forth the green plant and the fruit.  Trusting God with our daily needs is just as simple.  We give them to Him in prayer and we wait, believing and trusting that He WILL answer our prayers. The very words of Jesus in John 10:10 assures us that He came to give us life and to give it "more abundantly".

Faith not only involves a firm reliance on Jesus' power and ability, but also a complete realization of any confidence in our own flesh or power.  Today, you may face what seems to be a tough situation and because you have prayed a long time without an answer, you may be beginning to doubt that God can answer your prayer.  But we must believe that with God nothing is impossible! May I encourage you today to plant your seeds of faith like the apple grower and then wait....wait and see how God will provide....He will in His time and in His ways.  He alone can make all things beautiful in your life and in mine!  Have a blessed and beautiful day my friends !!!!

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation."

Psalm 68:19  

Dreaming in Lovely Linens.....for the home....

 

 Looking for beautiful linens....look for these

 Beautiful Linens for the home in England at the shop, Cologne and Cotton!

Treasured household linens are perfect for an intimate Dinner for two!

You may have to look for a while....but many antique shops have linens

available for purchase.  A beautiful legacy to pass on in families!

Elegant Hotels and B and B's still use sheets and tablecloths of pure cotton!

Our grandmothers probably pressed their linens before placing them on the beds.

The linens I purchased in England now are on the beds! This one is a pure cotton coverlet

with Marimekko (of Finland) pillow shams of pure woven cotton! A luxurious bath, a good book, and cup of bedtime tea can be a perfect prelude to a perfect night's sleep!

Into the early twentieth century, seamless linen sheets and tablecloths, napkins and other linens were sold in exclusive boutiques.  In both England and France, these boutiques for beautiful linens still can be found quiet readily!  In the United States, we may have to look a little harder but there are still a few linen shops in some cities. In many ways, the European customs for sleeping rooms are more refined and elegant than our American homes.  For me, personally, I would love to see this return in our homes.  There is nothing like slipping into a bed in the evening hours that feels and smells wonderfully fresh!  Cotton sheets are the answer! I am often on the hunt for beautiful linens that I can pass on to others as gifts.

Imagine my delight as I found these beautiful stores in both England and France!  My daughter and I spent quiet a while just looking and enjoying the beautiful offerings found in these exclusive shops.  Both she and I purchased a few linens for our homes. (THIS was one item I could bring home easily.)  Tablecloths are the norm for dinners in my home and for me a tablecloth is "the symbol of a special, serene moment, like some island refuge amid a sea of daily worries" according to writer Rene Cazelles, who feels that everything can breathe again when the tablecloth is white.  I soooo agree!  There is nothing more elegant that a beautiful white tablecloth for dinner whether it be for two or a guest in your home.  Starched linen napkins add a touch of class!

What makes your house, your home?  I have found that it's the personal touches that make your home and mine our own, our place of comfort and restoration.  It's the place where our soul's are restored, refreshed, and renewed.  The place where we can begin again after the day that isn't always perfect!  Home can be!  I don't know about you, but for me, it is turning to the Lord and asking His Holy Spirit to fill my spirit with His thoughts and love.  There are times in this journey of life where we are faced with difficulties and trials amid the joys!  Everyday God is involved in our lives, always, always, always at work....and if we truly give Him each day, balance will come into every area and our reflections will look more like He intended.  This reflection is like a mirror that we look into as we are dressing for the day.  This can begin by coming to Him with awe and reference, seeking to know HIM more fully and HIS will for our life.  We have to desire to stop and look toward Him, into His heart. His Love radiates from His Word, The Bible. Love radiates out of a person who has been with Jesus!  Love gives.  Love shares. Love envelopes another.....(like the sheets you fall into at night)!  Seriously!  

When one gives their life to Jesus Christ, a covenant is formed that can never or ever be broken.  His banner over you is LOVE!  Perhaps that is why I adore white linens....they can be washed and made new again....everyday if necessary!  Our relationship with Christ is similar.  Everyday is new, everyday is fresh and HE can bring you and me into complete comfort as HE wraps us in the folds of His loving arms!  May your find the beauty of each day my friend!  May the Lord use you as a source of LOVE this day!

"You hem me in~behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain." Psalm 139:5~6

What beautiful news!

The photo of the linen table filled with linens is from THE BOOK OF FINE LINEN!

A Beautiful Place......

"THIS INSTINCT FOR A FREE LIFE in the open is as natural and wholesome as the gratification of hunger and thirst and love.  It is nature's recall to the simple mode of existence that was intended for us." Horace Kephart, Camping and Woodcraft, 1906

The search is over for nature's recall or that simple mode of living....after just being married for eight months, my son and his Bride lucked upon a beautiful cabin just outside Oxford, Mississippi!

The setting of their cabin is so very, very beautiful.....enter down a winding gravel drive, lined by crepe myrtles that were planted over 40 years ago and a 50 year old magnolia greets you at the edge of the drive.  The plantings in the yard are as vast and as beautiful as you will ever find!

 A brick sidewalk leads up to impressive 140 year old log cabin.  The cabin was moved to its current sight in the early 1960's and an addition to the back of the cabin incorporated a kitchen, bath, and guest room.

The woods were made for dreamers and that describes Steven and Sara....dreamers.  They are so far down the road (so to speak) in their professional lives and in their personal goals.  The love they share is so sweet to witness and over the weekend I spent with them helping them as they cleaned, unpacked, and organized their new home inspired me greatly!  Both of them have a talent for design so everything fell into its place quickly.  Sara has been a collector of beautiful art for a while now and has lived and traveled abroad over a great deal of her life.  Steven too has grown up with an appreciation of art and history so together their home is a wonderful collaboration of their style and their life together.....thus far!  Steven is a musician and the house already if filled with music and an energy that is amazing!  I felt so blessed to have shared the weekend with them in their beautiful home!  Enjoy a few of the pics below......

A vintage fan found by Steven and a beautiful chair Sara found...circa 1890

The metal desk they recently purchased is the perfect setting for Steven's musical talents.

Original Art....like being in a gallery!

"Wouldn't life be a whole lot better if somewhere out in the wild woody younder sat a snug little cabin with your name on the mailbox?"  You know it would!

FROM: cabinology

A handbook to your private hideaway

A Southern Porch.....in Mississippi

 Who doesn't love the film Cat on a Hot Tin Roof about the tempestuous marriage of Maggie, played by Elizabeth Taylor, and Brick, played by Paul Newman? The film is set in my beautiful state of Mississippi in a time when a man's land and wealth and family were everything!  Big Daddy is the perfect southern self-made man.  Proud of his family, his beautiful home, his children and the legacy he plans on leaving them. This is the dream of all southern men....leaving a legacy to his children.  Nothing should stop him from passing on his fortune.  Hold on just a minute and this could be today.  Children rarely embrace the same paths as their parents.  Most have a mind of their own [which is good....as they should] but sometimes, rarely, they do not see the sweat, blood, tears, and prayers that have gone into making their life grand!  Seems to me, the two sons in this saga did not see their daddy's vision. Big Daddy had acquired quite a fortune in his home with the wide porches, furnishings acquired in France and England, and almost everything to fulfill every need of his growing family.  His dream almost turned to disaster when he discovered he was dying, but I like to think the real heroine of the play and film was Maggie, played by Ms. Taylor.  Beautiful, outspoken, feminine, sensual, and smart....she played the southern woman well! Brick, on the other hand, had a severe problem with alcohol and was not fulfilling the role of husband or son very well.  Families fall apart without leadership and most are only one generation away from this disaster.  Big Daddy wanted his family to be grand.  In the end, the real story is sweet about forgiveness and love. We should hope to be better "forgivers".

The porches and the furnishings are TRUE pictures of a grander southern home and time.  There is a city in south western Mississippi that still holds much of the charm and beauty of a by gone era....Natchez.  It is in Natchez that one can still sit on a porch, sip tea or a mint julep or a glass of wine and still enjoy a summer evening like it used to be in the era of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.  This time of year it is so hot in Mississippi.  Almost unbearable at times so even today, homes are built with porches and set among shade trees.  The porches played a huge role in the film as well as the yard where the kids and Big Daddy cooled off with an ice cream birthday party!  Still sounds like a great idea!

Dunlieth Plantation in Natchez Mississippi

A designer's selection of items that might fill the house in Cat on A Hot Tin Roof!

Love the Sofa....Love the Dress....Love the Mirror

Maggie lounges around a lot in her slip in the film....I wish we still did this...lounge around more! :)

The summer heat in the south is definitely a good reason to shed a few layers and lounge.....around the house....most southern women I know just love to be at home.

Southern Women have always been beautifully strong!  We are tied fearlessly to our families and loyal always to the bonds that keep us close.  Traditions such as family reunions, weddings, bridal teas, morning coffee on the porch with a neighbor, and of course church!  Recently someone told me they realized they didn't have to be close to their family....I listened, but I was sort of sad for her.  I think of the bonds of family and friends as the most beautiful gifts God will ever, ever give us. I hope you are one who treasures family ties.  You can be the vessel to bond your family....think about it.  Just a little time and effort and a dinner on the porch!

I feel blessed to be a southern woman, extremely blessed.  I love the elegance of the French and the beauty of Europe but home to me will always be in the South and hopefully, a home with a porch!  Enjoy the life that God has given you....it really doesn't matter where you live as long as you embrace your own path and realize that God designed one especially for you!  Fill your own heart with God's wisdom, the beauty of the earth around you, plant a flower or vegetable garden, love your family and LIVE....everyday is a gift my friend!  A wonderful gift from Heaven above!  Spread some love and joy!  You know....like a little "Happy" Gift!

White Linens and Purity.....

There was a time when white linens were what everyone wanted.  Yes, it's true.  When a Bride wore a white dress, she had dreamed about her dress forever or so it seemed!  It was part of the ritual of preparing for marriage and the wedding.  She went through an engagement period where the focus was on acquiring the items she would need for her trousseau.  There would be the batiste, embroidery, lawn, and lace.  "Women have never lost their passion for the frivolous secrets hidden away in lavender-scented line cupboards." Yes, women have a passion for linen and the wedding festivities were prepared by the elder women for the young Bride. Families did it all, from the bouquets, to the planning of the wedding, to the food served and the training of the Bride to "wait" for her husband. [Intersect grace here....for we all need to be reminded that God does indeed leave room for HIs grace.] Times have changed.....  Even years ago when I was young, this planning and the purity began to unravel and today it is noticeably different.  Again, grace intersects because God looks at the purity of the heart.  That is what is truly important.  

I am the eternal optimistic when it comes to mentoring young women!  God's Word has a definition of beauty and of purity and we are exhorted in Romans 12:2 not to allow the world around us to squeeze us into its mold.  In Proverbs 31:30, physical beauty has been given a short life...."Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain".....Charm in the Hebrew means "bodily form".  Form and beauty are two things that our culture esteems and pursues with fervor.  In I Peter 3:4`5 we are told as women, "let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.  For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves."  God defines beauty and purity by how we look on the inside, our heart.  God encourages us to cultivate a beauty that will only grow more attractive and more beautiful with the passing of time.  Investing in a young woman's life is such a privilege for a mother, grandmother, or aunt, or even a cherished friend.  Young women today are bombarded with so much that glorifies the body and not the heart and the soul.  In my life, as a mother of daughters and a son, this consumed a lot of my prayer focus and energy.  It was difficult then.....I can only imagine the prayer and love mothers pray over their daughters today.  With that said, there are many, many ways though in which a young Bride continues to desire what you and I desired in years past.  She still goes and selects items for her home and does this with a love and desire that is beautiful.  A woman still wants a beautiful, happy home!

So....on to white linens!  I love white towels, white linens, white anything......imagine my delight when I happened upon a lovely linen store, Cologne and Cotton in London and other towns around the UK.  The linens, the soaps, the cologne, the cottons...well it was all there and it was beautiful.  I could just imagine a young Bride selecting her linens and bedcoverings.  Think about it, "the very thread of life that weaves a deep-seated link between textiles and humanity in a symbolism reaching back to the infancy of the human race."  These words are by the author of a book I own, The Book of Fine Linen.  You see, white linens, beautiful white linens are something since the beginning of time cultures around the world have associated with beauty and with romance and with being feminine!  Here's to white linens!  Enjoy the photos of the ones I purchased and the inspiration from the Lily of the Valley!  I can hardly wait!

These scented sachet's were so fragrant.....

Every Bride loves the fragrance of Lily of the Valley!

It is a symbol of humility in religious paintings and is often used as a part of the Bridal bouquet.  Catherine Middleton used this lovely flower in her bouquet.

"I am a rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valley"    Solomon 2:1

OH PARIS..... "These Are a Few of My Favorite Things!"

PARIS!  Why must it be so hard to choose my most favorite photos? ! There are so many of mine that tell so many different stories...each one is a journey ...a journey of JOY and happiness for me personally!  I am choosing  and sharing a few that represent, in color, the beautiful sights of Paris!  I am filled with gratitude for the blessings of our trip earlier this month!  Just as being in the presence of a thankful person brings us refreshment, I can honestly say THIS is how Paris sort of makes one feel, refreshed!  You don't see many grim, joyless people around Notre Dame or the Eiffel Tower.  Everyone has a smile and excitement is on the faces of almost everyone who is visiting the city of lights.  Even the Parisians seem to be happier people, excited to share their joy of their beloved city. 

 

Enjoy the beauty of some of my favorites....every corner is a snapshot!  I hope your week ahead is filled with beauty and with joy.  These are attributes that can truly be found anywhere if we take the time to cultivate them in our own hearts and then pass them on!  

 

DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER....I pray we can all focus more on the beautiful surroundings of our day, I think all of us with your grace and goodness can be more grateful for the blessings in our lives!  Yes Lord, each and every day! "We give thanks to you, O God: we give thanks, for your name is near!"  Psalm 75:1

 

"Count your blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what The Lord hath done."



Shakespeare, his work, his life and times....

The Home and the Birthplace of William Shakespeare.

 Shakespeare was born here....so they told us....

He was baptized at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford~Upon~Avon

on April 27, 1564.  The precise date of his birth is not known. (interesting)

although it was customary to baptise an infant three days after birth.

Infant mortality in the 16th century was high so he was fortunate.

 Imagine eating in this dining area.....450 years ago!

 The Interior of the home...a bust of Shakespeare

 Holy Trinity Church

 

 Our Hotel

The Church Street Townhouse

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Inside our hotel.....Kara's creativity!

 

The greatest writer of all writers, William Shakespeare, was born and lived in a beautiful small English village known as Stratford Upon Avon.  Stratford is the village and Avon is a lovely river that flows through the village. 

As a senior in high school, my English teacher arranged for us to see the film Romeo and Juliet.  I still remember every detail of that day.  The teacher, the bus ride to the theater (The Belcourt Cinema), and most of all the film....I was hooked on Shakespeare. The prose, the poetry, the time in which he wrote.

Shakespeare's story begins in the heart of England, in Stratford-Upon Avon and the local Warwickshire villages of the Arden to the north and large open fields south of the River Avon, known as the Feldon.  As we made our way to our hotel, we settled in and then off to his family home.  His father's profession was that of a glove maker.  I found that interesting right away....I love gloves, I love the use of hands and to think that this was his father's profession made the home even more interesting.  The home and Stratford in general was beautiful!  We enjoyed a beautiful day there, just walking and enjoying the beautiful village of Stratford. 

After the tour of the home in which he grew up, we walked to The Holy Trinity Church where William Shakespeare is buried.  Beautiful sitting and beautiful church. 

Our evening in Stratford ended at our hotel with good music and good food!  It was a perfect ending to a perfect day!  The next morning, we enjoyed a full English breakfast which Steve and Phil had really looked forward to!  As we said good-bye to this lovely place, I could see the inspiration and the beauty from which William Shakespeare began his life. 

Like much of the beautiful and vast history of England, preservation is important to their national trust.  The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust preserves this beautiful part of all our lives for future generations who fall in love with the written word.  He drew inspiration from the beautiful surroundings in which he was born......so proper, so articulate, so beautiful the lovely way they speak and pronounce the English language! 

Now....let us have some tea!  Enjoy your day my friend!

Osterley Park and House.....West London

~The Entrance Steps and Courtyard to Osterley House~

~The lake sourrounding the entrance is a park like setting!~

 ~The back of Osterley House faces a great meadow which provides spectacularf views~

 ~The Long Gallery~

 ~The Library~

 ~The Kitchen~

Gerogeous floors!

 ~Beautiful "old" door in the side of the gardens.~

Just outside of London,on the Piccadilly Line station, Osterley is found! Arriving at a quaint little city station, my journey began!  It is there where I found a beautiful National Trust Home, Osterley Park and House. To me, it seemed as though it was frozen in time and little had changed in two centuries.  I became interested in the house after seeing the period film The Young Victoria. This is a beautiful film about the young Queen Victoria, her childhood, her reign as Queen of England and her love and devotion to Prince Albert and her driving passion for many, many humanitarian causes in her lifetime. Her life both personally and in her profession are inspiring to me.  She was a mother, a loving wife, and friend to her country. Many of the scenes were filmed in the house.  I was so glad I went for I was truly inspired by it's beauty and preservation.  When visiting places like this, history comes alive!  

To get there, I left Kara and Phil's house, walked four miles to the city train station, took the train into London, found my way to the Piccadilly Line (or the Tube) and rode several stops, changed the train again, and got off at Osterley, and then walked another two miles.....but it was so worth it! 

Osterley is a grand Neo-classical palace, set in an idealised landscape.  Osterley Park is an astonishing survival, an 18th century country estate on the western flank of London.  Two extremely wealthy borthers, Francis and Robert Child, and the architect Robert Adam spent two decades designing and refining the house in imitation of classical antiquity.  Most of the interior is just as it was when they lived.  Some of the art has been removed and other art placed there in its place.  The Child family were successful bankers, orginally from Wilshire.  I learned that in the early 18th century many prominent families moved to the west of London where this home is found.  This was my third National Trust Home to visit in England and so far, Stourhead still is my favorite but these homes are preserved and maintained through England's National Trust.  Many of them have beautiful gardens and inspire us all as we visit to go home and appreciate the beauty of preservation and restoration.  

My favorite rooms were the Library, {no wonder}....I love books!  It was light and airy where the other rooms were more formal.  I also loved the bright windows in the breakfast room but it was undergoing restoration....it was smaller and cheery!  On the ground floor, the servants hall was massive as it must have taken many servants to "run" the house for its mere size. The rooms for the senior staff who ran the domestic household was almost as beautiful.  The floors were beautiful there....Italian stone similar to what people use today. Carpets, bookshelves, and paintings made it feel like a place were these people were welcomed and appreciated.

The gardens were in full bloom with English bluebells!  England is a beautiful country!  If you have not traveled to England and are considering it, you should go.....it is so easy!  Get your passport, read, read, read, study, study, study, save for your tickets, plan where you want to go and then do it!  You do not need to depend on a tour guide if you prepare ahead. You can book your own hotel rooms in excellent places if you do your research.  It's a great first country to travel to, especially for Americans, because they speak our language, only much more proper and with beautiful accents and dialects!  If I can help you plan your trip, let me know, I lwould love to......then go to France next! 

I have found that people everywhere are wonderful and we are more alike than different.  God, in His wisdom and goodness, made us this way.  As the song says, Love In Any Language! Kindness and goodness are in found everywhere, in almost every heart.....we just have to empty ourselves of who we are and take that first step to see another person on this journey of life.  May you be blessed today with joy and happiness, my friend, in the fullest measure!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Romans 15:13

LONDON and BATH.....

~Beautiful London~

The Ampersand Hotel.....

Our hotel in London was near the Natural History Museum and the decor' was

so stylish and chic filled with scenes of flowers and birds....loved this!

 ~Hyde Park~

 BATH...a photo shoot everyday, everywhere....Bath is like a storybook.

As you enter the town, the uniquness of the buildings go on and on....

In many period films of England, holidays were "taken" in Bath and I can understand why because every little corner has a unique place to stay for the night.

Our hotel was the Queens Hotel!  

 BATH is of course known for the Roman History of the Roman Bath's and it is found in the center of town.  Today, Bath is a thriving, busy city filled with locals and tourist from all over the world visiting this unique city center.  The circus acts of local artist are around the city center on weekends performing their daring and talented acts.

The shops are filled with beautiful finds and displayed so tastefully!

 ~The Spring Seasonal Flowers are just waiting to be picked~

Before Bath, we were in London as it is always busy, modern city!  It reminds me in ways of New York City but oh the fashions and shopping are uniquely British!  Anything and anyone goes!  Our favorites were........ the sights of Westminister Abbey, Buckingham Palace, The National History Museum, The Victoria and Albert Museum, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, walking in Hyde Park, and the other usual sights we all love to see but the highlight this time was seeing my husband enjoy Portobello Road and the Notting Hill area and just spending time with Kara and Phil, a rare and special treat!

I am always inspired by people and places where beauty dwells.  Beauty comes from within.....everyday that I live I realize this more and more.  Our lives are busy but business can keep us from what is truly valued and important in life.  The Lord clearly has impressed upon my heart that "those who look to HIM ARE radiant".  May this focus always be at the center of our hearts.  Spending time in the Lord's presence for me is the best holiday!  Refocusing so that I can complete the work of life He has called me to do. Whatever your gifts are my friend if you will quietly and earnestly ask the Lord to guide them and use them HE will.  Trust Him with your life! The generations to come will be affected by our choices today....that is a sobering thought!   Have a blessed and beautiful day!

"You don't need to carry a burden.  He wants you to have a light load.  Take every thought captive.  Hold each worry up to His light.  He is able to lift the weight off you.  Cast your cares upon Him.  Psalm 55:22